SPORTS TALK. OTHER VIEWS. THE READERS HAVE THEIR SAY.

Blackhawks remain 3rd class

October 21, 2001|By John Burton.

CHICAGO — Bill Wirtz and Bob Pulford change coaches and office personnel but do not pursue hockey players who can make the Blackhawks playoff contenders. Their only upper-tier player, Tony Amonte, is in a signing limbo as they attempt to lower his asking price. For five years now, Wirtz and Pulford have promoted this off-ice shuffle as a new start. In fact, they have brought to the first-class hockey city of Chicago a third-class team. The players aren't to blame, nor the coach. It's the owner and GM who stink.